‘Hundreds’ of documents to review in Omeros money laundering case, defence lawyer tells court

The defence lawyer for two members of the Gold Coast’s Omeros family, which is one of the more famous names in the region’s hospitality scene, says he intends on cross-examining witnesses at a future court date.

Harry Omeros was one of four people charged with money laundering last April. Picture: File

The defence lawyer for a trio of Gold Coast residents charged with money laundering $1.5 million say they expect to cross-examine witnesses during an upcoming committal hearing.

Local trio Harry Omeros, 38, Vicky Omeros, 64, son and wife respectively of hospitality kingpin Nick Omeros, of Omeros Bros Seafood Restaurant fame, and Kristy Joshtine Sleep, 38, were charged last April, as was a fourth person.

The charges came after police formed Operation Uniform Tapenade to investigate alleged fraudulent activity at a series of companies, Crypto Advisers Australia, Strategic Capital, Active Marketing Solutions, and Alternative Capital.

Vicky Omeros in 2007. Picture: Geoff McLachlan

Ms Sleep and Mr Omeros were charged with money laundering knowingly, while Mrs Omeros was charged with money laundering recklessly. None have entered pleas.

Police allege the companies at the centre of the investigation defrauded over $1.5 million from about 30 people between 2018 and 2021 using a Ponzi scheme method and identity takeovers, before washing the cash through assets such as cryptocurrency, precious metals, luxury motor vehicles and real estate.

The Southport Magistrates Court heard on Wednesday police had now completed their disclosure to the trio’s defence team of material they seek to rely on in their case against the defendants.

Defence lawyer Jason Grant told the court the material was “so substantial” he hadn’t had the chance to properly parse the documents, which numbered in the “hundreds”.

Mr Grant requested a four-week adjournment to allow the defence time to consider the material.

Solicitor Jason Grant. Picture: File.

He indicated that the defence would seek to cross-examine witnesses at a future committal hearing, which is where the magistrate establishes whether there is enough evidence for the charges to be committed to a higher court.

The matter will next return to the court on July 8.

The trio’s arrest last year caused a stir locally, predominantly because of the fame of the Omeros name on the Gold Coast, courtesy of iconic Main Beach noshery Omeros Bros Seafood Restaurant.

Harry Omeros’ father Nick, who is married to Vicky Omeros, was one of the restaurant’s co-founders, alongside brother Angelo.

No other members of the Omeros family are facing any allegations of wrongdoing, nor have they been charged with any offences.

Originally published as ‘Hundreds’ of documents to review in Omeros money laundering case, defence lawyer tells court